6 July 2007, 07/219
Housing survey - thanks for your help!
West Lancashire District Council and Scarisbrick Parish Council
would like to thank everyone who took part in a housing needs
survey.
Over 1,400 questionnaires were issued to households in the
Scarisbrick area at the end of 2006, asking residents about their
housing needs and future housing plans. The findings have now been
published.
The Chairman of Scarisbrick Parish Council, Cllr Mrs Margaret
Edwards, said: "The Parish Housing Need Survey is extremely
informative. By filling in the questionnaire, residents have
assisted the District and Parish Council to better understand the
local housing market. It takes time to complete the questionnaires
and a willingness to be open and honest about your housing
circumstances. My thanks go to those residents who returned the
questionnaire."
From the 350 responses received back a number of key features have
been identified. These are:
· The majority of moves out of Scarisbrick are related to issues
surrounding the affordability of accommodation to buy or rent and
wanting to set up an independent home/ setting up new
relationships.
· This is supported by the fact that 65.3% of all households
wishing to move within the next year within the Parish or move back
to the Parish feel that they are restricted due to the cost of
housing in Scarisbrick.
· The analysis has identified around 25 concealed households and a
further 167 single adults living with parents who may need to set
up their own home in the next five years.
· Scarisbrick is following the trend of increase in households but
of a smaller size.
· 33.9% of the population of Scarisbrick were aged 60 or over,
which is much higher than 21.4% who are above personable age in
West Lancashire according to 2001 Census.
· 300 households are in some form of housing needs. They do not
necessarily require affordable housing. Their need may be able to
be resolved on site.
Cllr Hopley, Portfolio Holder for Housing, added: "The Council is
committed to listening to the needs of local residents. We want to
get our policies right and to do this we need accurate information
about the needs and housing issues faced by local residents."
"Residents responded well to this survey and I would like to thank
everyone who took the time to complete the form. The results will
now be used to help shape our housing strategy and planning
policies and to assist our ongoing research into housing needs and
the housing market"
The Scarisbrick Parish Housing Needs Survey report & Executive
Summary are both available to view on the Council website, visit
the Housing section.
Related information
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